Are you a farm or food processing worker seeking to immigrate to Canada through the Agri-Food Pilot Program? Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector, contributing over $110 billion annually to the economy, has relied on programs like the Agri-Food Pilot to address labor shortages. Launched in 2020, the pilot offered a pathway to permanent residency for non-seasonal workers in industries like meat processing and greenhouse production but closed to new applications on February 13, 2025, after reaching its 1,010-application cap for 2025.
What Was the Agri-Food Pilot Program?
The Agri-Food Pilot Program was a federal initiative designed to address labor shortages in Canada’s agriculture and food processing sectors by offering permanent residency to experienced, non-seasonal workers. Running from May 2020 to May 14, 2025, the pilot welcomed over 4,500 workers and their families, including 1,775 in 2024 alone, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The program targeted roles in meat processing, greenhouse crop production, mushroom farming, and livestock raising, helping stabilize industries facing chronic labor gaps, with 24,000 unfilled jobs reported in 2014 costing $1.5 billion in losses. In 2025, the program capped applications at 1,010 and closed early on February 13, 2025, due to high demand, as it reached its five-year limit under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. This section explores the program’s impact and what its closure means for aspiring immigrants.
Eligibility Criteria for the Agri-Food Pilot Program
Although the Agri-Food Pilot Program is closed to new applications in 2025, understanding its eligibility criteria helps clarify requirements for similar pathways and supports those with applications submitted before February 13, 2025. To qualify, applicants needed:
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Work Experience: At least 12 months (1,560 hours) of full-time, non-seasonal Canadian work experience in the past 3 years under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based work permit of at least 12 months. Work under open work permits only counted for vulnerable workers.
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Job Offer: A genuine, full-time, non-seasonal job offer in an eligible occupation and industry outside Quebec, at or above the prevailing wage (e.g., median wage for the occupation per Job Bank).
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Education: A Canadian high school diploma or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) showing a foreign equivalent, less than 5 years old. In-Canada applicants could choose to meet either the job offer or education requirement; out-of-Canada applicants needed both.
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Language Proficiency: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 in English or French (reading, writing, speaking, listening), proven by an approved test like IELTS, valid within 2 years.
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Settlement Funds: Proof of funds to support yourself and dependents, unless already working in Canada with a valid work permit.
Eligible industries and occupations included meat product manufacturing (e.g., NOC 63201 butchers, NOC 94141 industrial butchers), greenhouse/nursery production (e.g., NOC 8431 general farm workers), and animal production (e.g., NOC 82030 farm supervisors).
Why Did the Agri-Food Pilot Program Close?
The Agri-Food Pilot Program closed to new applications on February 13, 2025, after reaching its 1,010-application cap, earlier than its scheduled end date of May 14, 2025. Established under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the pilot was limited to a five-year duration and could not be extended. High demand, with applications exceeding available spots under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, led to the early closure. IRCC will continue processing applications submitted before February 13, 2025, with 1,000 handled online and 10 in alternate formats for accessibility. The program’s success in welcoming over 4,500 workers since 2020 highlights its impact, but its closure shifts focus to alternative pathways for farm and food workers.
Alternative Immigration Pathways for Farm and Food Workers in 2025
With the Agri-Food Pilot Program closed, farm and food workers can explore other immigration pathways to achieve permanent residency in Canada in 2025. Here are five key options:
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Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): PNPs allow provinces to nominate workers for permanent residency based on regional labor needs. For example, Ontario’s In-Demand Skills Stream targets agriculture workers (e.g., NOC 8431 general farm workers), requiring a job offer and 9 months of experience. Manitoba and Saskatchewan also offer agriculture-focused streams with lower language requirements (CLB 4).
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Express Entry (Category-Based Selection): Express Entry manages federal programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program. In 2025, agriculture and agri-food occupations, specifically butchers (NOC 63201), are prioritized in category-based draws, though higher CRS scores or French proficiency may be needed for other roles.
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Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): This employer-driven program targets New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Farm workers with a job offer in eligible occupations can apply, with changes in 2025 enhancing accessibility.
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Rural Community Immigration Pilot: Launched in 2025, this pilot targets rural areas like Claresholm, Alberta, and supports workers in agriculture with job offers, offering a community-driven path to permanent residency.
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Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): While not a direct path to permanent residency, TFWP work permits can lead to eligibility for PNPs or Express Entry by accumulating Canadian work experience. Employers in meat processing may receive a two-year LMIA to support transitions.
These pathways require careful research to match your occupation, experience, and province of choice.
Step-by-Step Guide for Alternative Pathways
Pursuing permanent residency through alternative pathways in 2025 involves these steps:
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Assess Eligibility: Use tools like IRCC’s Come to Canada wizard or consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to identify suitable programs. For PNPs, check province-specific streams (e.g., Ontario’s In-Demand Skills Stream).
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Secure a Job Offer: Many pathways, like PNPs and AIP, require a full-time job offer in an eligible occupation (e.g., NOC 8431 general farm workers). Search job boards like Job Bank or contact employers in agriculture-heavy provinces like Alberta or Manitoba.
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Obtain an ECA: If required, get an Educational Credential Assessment from designated organizations like the University of Toronto’s Comparative Education Service (CES) to verify your foreign credentials.
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Prove Language Proficiency: Achieve CLB 4 or higher via tests like IELTS or TEF Canada. Results must be less than 2 years old.
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Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): For PNPs, submit an EOI through provincial portals (e.g., OASIS for Saskatchewan). For Express Entry, create a profile and enter the pool.
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Apply for Permanent Residency: If nominated (PNP) or invited (Express Entry), submit a complete PR application to IRCC, including biometrics, medical exams, and police clearances.
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Track Your Application: Use IRCC’s online portal to monitor status and respond promptly to requests.
Processing times vary: Express Entry takes 6–8 months, PNPs 12–18 months, and AIP 6–12 months. Costs range from CAD $1,365–$2,300, plus third-party fees (e.g., ECA, medical exams).
Costs and Processing Considerations
Alternative pathways involve costs similar to the Agri-Food Pilot:
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PNPs: Application fees vary (e.g., CAD $1,500 for Ontario, free for Manitoba). Federal PR fees are CAD $1,365–$2,300, including the Right of Permanent Residence fee.
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Express Entry: CAD $1,365–$2,300, plus biometrics (CAD $85) and ECA (CAD $210).
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AIP: No provincial fees, but federal PR fees apply.
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Third-Party Costs: Medical exams (CAD $200–$500), language tests (CAD $300), and police clearances (CAD $50–$100).
Ensure applications are complete to avoid delays, as incomplete submissions can extend processing times.
Challenges and Tips for Farm and Food Workers
Navigating immigration pathways in 2025 presents challenges:
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Program Closure: The Agri-Food Pilot’s early closure limits options. Act quickly to explore PNPs or AIP before 2025 caps are reached.
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Job Offer Requirements: Securing a job offer in a high-demand occupation is critical. Network through platforms like LinkedIn or attend Canadian job fairs.
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Language Barriers: Achieving CLB 4 can be challenging. Use resources like Duolingo or local language schools to improve proficiency.
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Documentation: ECAs and work experience verification require precise documentation. Work with employers to obtain LMIA-based records or union support letters.
Tips for success include consulting an RCIC, targeting provinces with agriculture-focused streams (e.g., Alberta, Saskatchewan), and ensuring all documents are accurate.
Top Provinces for Farm and Food Workers in 2025
Farm and food workers can target these provinces for immigration in 2025:
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Alberta: The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) supports agriculture workers, with salaries of CAD $50,000–$80,000. The Rural Community Immigration Pilot targets rural areas.
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Ontario: The In-Demand Skills Stream includes NOC 8431 (general farm workers), offering salaries of CAD $45,000–$70,000.
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Manitoba: The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream requires CLB 4 and offers wages of CAD $50,000–$75,000.
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Saskatchewan: The Occupation In-Demand Stream targets agriculture roles, with salaries around CAD $50,000.
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Atlantic Provinces: The AIP supports farm workers in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, with wages starting at CAD $45,000.
Conclusion: Your Path to Canada in 2025
The Agri-Food Pilot Program offered a vital pathway for farm and food workers to immigrate to Canada, but its closure on February 13, 2025, shifts focus to alternatives like PNPs, Express Entry, and the Atlantic Immigration Program. By securing a job offer, meeting language and education requirements, and applying through a suitable stream, you can achieve permanent residency in 2025. Visit Canada.ca for official guidance or consult an RCIC for personalized support. Start your journey today to join Canada’s thriving agriculture sector!